Schubert: Notturno in E flat major for piano trio, D897 (Op. post.148)

“This is a marvellous disc, one of the most enjoyable I have heard in a long time. It is distinguished by superb sound, too. There is a great line-up of soloists who seem to have clicked miraculously, with the result that they deliver a more completely satisfactory account of the Trout Quintet than any I have ever heard before. Martin Helmchen is as gifted a new pianist as I expect to here for years, and Christian Tetzlaff is here at his best.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2009 *****

“Martin Helmchen is the sparkling pianist: fluent, lithe but never histrionic, not imposing himself: all five players really do seem to be equals….The variation movement, starting with a refined and restrained utterance of the song, swims along delectably….I have fallen for this PentaTone release hook, line and sinker.” International Record Review, July/August 2009

“The clarity of separation between the instruments in the Trout is owed in part to the recording but also the performers themselves, a well attuned group. Helmchen ensures that the opening of the variation movement quoting the song, "Die Forelle", is far gentler than usual, obeying the score, and the climax brings wonderfully bouncy playing, leading to a jaunty account of the finale. ...the most striking performance of all comes in the Notturno, tenderly affectionate in its flowing adagio. Though the pianissimos are extreme, every note can be clearly heard. A distinctive disc celebrating the emerging mastery of Martin Helmchen.” Gramophone Magazine, September 2009

“There are performances that give intense pleasure, and performances that make you think. And, just occasionally, you encounter one that does both. The Braley-Capuçon-Capuçon Schubert First Trio is one of those. The playing is superb from just every angle you consider it: beguiling tone, lovely intelligent phrasing, strong but flexible rhythmic articulation, precise pitch and alert ensemble.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2007 *****

“These performances are polished, yet the many solo contributions from each of the players emerge with a strong personality. The Beaux Arts cellist brings lovely phrasing and a true simplicity of line, so right for Schubert-–-memorably in the lovely slow movement melody of the Trio No 2 in E flat. In addition to the great piano trios (B flat, D898 and E flat, D929) the set includes the extremely personable, very early Sonata in B flat, D28, where the lyrical line already has the unmistakable character of its young composer.
Also included is the Notturno, D897, a raptly emotive short piece played here with a remarkable depth of feeling that recalls the gentle intensity of the glorious slow movement of the String Quintet. The recording is naturally balanced, although a little dry in the treble. Of the two rarer string trios, also early works, the four-movement Trio, D581, is totally infectious, with that quality of innocence that makes Schubert's music stand apart. Such persuasive advocacy and vivid recording can't fail to give the listener great pleasure.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

‘They show such complete control of every aspect of Schubert’s masterpiece that they sweep away all rivals’ (The Independent)

“light-footed and light-hearted ... spontaneously lyrical” Gramophone Magazine